It’s funny how things start sometimes. What began as a casual suggestion between siblings has turned into a heartfelt venture rooted in passion and dedication. After Mary returned to Ohio from Texas, she teamed up with her brother John, who had just acquired a farm, to establish HartFelt Kennels. With Mary’s 30 years of experience in dog care and John’s business expertise, they’ve created a place where pets are treated like family and receive the highest quality care.
Hi, I'm John Hartmann. Our journey to establish this business began with a casual suggestion between siblings. After selling her grooming business and retiring, my sister moved back to Ohio from Texas, where she had spent over 30 years, to be closer to family. Around the same time, I had acquired a farm in 2020 and was exploring various projects with the hope of uncovering a business idea that would allow the farm to sustain itself. It was during one of our conversations that Mary casually proposed, "Build a set of boarding kennels with grooming capabilities, and I’ll run the business for you." As lifelong dog lovers and advocates for animal welfare, the idea immediately resonated with us. Why not dedicate ourselves to something we are truly passionate about?
Inspired by this vision, I constructed the facility and we established the business entity. Today, we are proud to offer a service that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our community. Our confidence in this venture is bolstered by Mary's extensive experience in dog care combined with my three decades in the business sector.
We are committed to nurturing this business into a benchmark for quality and care in the industry. With continuous improvement and an unwavering dedication to the dogs and families we serve, we are excited about the future. Our love for our community's canine members drives us, and we believe that with time and dedication, we will continue to make a significant impact.
I was born and raised in Wooster, Ohio. After graduating from Wooster High School in 1986, I pursued a career in the United States Marine Corps. I served with the 2nd Marine Division, 10th Marines as a field radio operator in a heavy artillery unit and was honorably discharged as a combat veteran after serving in Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
My love for animals began at a very early age, as we were raised with wonderful dogs. Helping to care for them never felt like a chore, as I loved them dearly and they were always considered a huge part of our family. After my discharge from the Marine Corps, I ended up in East Texas and pursued a few different careers that just felt like jobs... until I started grooming dogs! Dog grooming wasn’t just a career choice for me, it was my passion! I fell in love with it, and 30 years later, I still love it. I have handled hundreds of different breeds and mixes, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I’ve also managed many different types of dogs (aggressive dogs, puppies, disabled dogs, abused dogs, etc.) and feel completely at ease with any and all situations that may arise. I have worked with and for numerous veterinarians and other animal professionals, and love the camaraderie this industry seems to enjoy.
After over 30 years of running my business, I decided to sell and move back to Ohio to be closer to family. As you can imagine, it was a tough decision to give up something I love so much. So, I asked my brother if he would be willing to build a facility on his farm so that I could get back to doing what I was meant to do! He said yes, and I am excited to be, once again, in a position to offer my 30+ years of experience to the care of your fur baby family member! Living on the farm, I know that my constant presence will allow us to provide a healthy, unique, and stress-free experience for your buddy while you and the rest of your family are away.
I’m also excited to be partnering with my brother! He brings many years of business knowledge and experience to the table. This allows me to be completely focused on the care and upkeep of your pet. Not having the distractions of everyday administrative tasks assures that your furry pal gets the next-level attention he/she deserves. With 150 acres to play on, you can be sure the dogs will be enjoying themselves!
When I am not caring for our furry friends, I enjoy fishing, hunting, and hanging out with friends and family.
Our brand-new dog boarding facility and grooming spa, nestled in the serene countryside of Nashville, Ohio. Our state-of-the-art facility is designed to be a haven for your four-legged family members. With 24 spacious kennels, each featuring a cozy bed and a private door leading to an outdoor turf area, your dog can relax and enjoy the fresh air whenever they like. Our grooming spa is equipped with top-of-the-line cleaning and drying stations, ensuring your pet looks and feels their best after every visit. It’s more than a kennel—it’s a luxury retreat for your furry friend!
Clean spacious kennel
Comfy Bed
Indoor/outdoor doggy door
Turf space
Shaded area for each pup on sunny days
At HartFelt Kennels, we are committed to making a lasting impact on our community through the care and service we provide. We strive to leave a positive legacy in the pet care industry by offering more than just a service—we aim to be a resource for pet owners and a pillar in the community. Through our involvement in local events and initiatives, we share our passion for excellent pet care and support the well-being of pets and their families. Our goal is to enrich the lives of pets and their owners, ensuring that our commitment to excellence resonates both within our kennel and throughout the community.
